Making a journey to the Amazon Rainforest from the USA is a dream for many adventure seekers. Known for its immense biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, the Amazon offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the most untouched ecosystems on the planet. Covering approximately 40% of South America and spanning eight countries, the Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest tropical rainforest and home to an astonishing variety of species, making it a top destination for nature lovers.
Photo: Gui Gomes
Planning such a journey can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re coming from the United States. There are many details to consider, from the best time to visit and how to get there, to what kind of tours and experiences are available. In this article, we’ve put together all the essential information you need to plan your Amazon rainforest trip from the USA, ensuring that your adventure is both memorable and well-organized.
Whether you’re interested in jungle lodges, river cruises, or guided hikes, this guide covers everything. When you’re ready to make this dream a reality, explore our exclusive Amazon rainforest tours, where you can choose the perfect package for your adventure.
How to get to the Amazon rainforest trip from the USA? Are there any direct flights?
When planning your adventure to the world’s largest tropical rainforest, there are several options available, though direct flights are limited. Currently, Azul operates a weekly direct flight from Florida to Manaus, departing every Friday. Starting in December 2024, GOL will introduce additional flights from Miami to Manaus twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, providing more direct access to the heart of the Amazon.
For those looking for more frequent options, flying with Copa Airlines via Panama City is an excellent choice. Copa operates four flights per week from Panama to Manaus, with convenient connections from major U.S. cities like New York, Houston, and Chicago. Though these flights are not direct, the connection through Panama is smooth and efficient, with flight durations typically around 12-15 hours.
Do I need a visa for an Amazon rainforest trip from the USA?
To visit the incredible Amazon rainforest in Brazil, it’s essential to stay updated on the country’s visa policies. In 2024, U.S. citizens will not need a visa to enter Brazil; however, the visa requirement will be reinstated on April 10, 2025. This extension, announced on April 9, 2024, provides an additional year of visa-free travel for U.S. visitors.
Starting in 2025, U.S. citizens will need to apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) to enter Brazil. The e-Visa can be conveniently requested online through the platform brazil.vfsevisa.com, with an issuance fee of $80.90 USD. The process is entirely digital, meaning travelers don’t need to visit a Brazilian consulate in person.
Ensuring you have the correct visa and documentation will make your Amazon rainforest trip from USA seamless and stress-free.
This is the chance to build core family memories! Photo: @hidaka.explorer
Best tours for your Amazon rainforest trip from the USA
If you’re planning your Amazon rainforest visit, there are several incredible tour options available that will take you deep into the heart of the Amazon, offering the perfect mix of adventure and comfort. One of the top choices is the 3-Day Amazon Jungle Tour from Manaus, which includes activities such as birdwatching, piranha fishing, and visiting local Caboclo communities. For those with more time, the 4-Day and 5-Day Jungle Tours provide a full immersion into the breathtaking landscapes of the rainforest.
For a unique experience, the 5-Day Amazon River Cruise stands out as one of the best options. This tour allows you to explore the Amazon by water, visiting two stunning national parks, Anavilhanas and Jau National Park. Witness the incredible biodiversity of the rainforest while cruising in comfort, making it a perfect adventure for nature lovers.
Discover more and book your adventure here.
Photo: @travelbabbo
Experience a deeper connection with nature
For adventurers seeking a more intense experience, the Amazon Jungle Survival Tour is a 6-day expedition where you’ll learn survival techniques, navigate riverways, and camp in the jungle. This tour is perfect for those looking to step out of their comfort zone and engage with the rainforest in a more hands-on way.
Alternatively, if you prefer to enjoy the Amazon in luxury, consider the Luxury Amazon Lodge Tour, where you can stay in high-end lodges while exploring the region’s stunning biodiversity.
Endure your bonds beneath the timeless nature guardians. Photo: @mkexpeditions
More options for your Amazon rainforest adventure
Another incredible option for your Amazon rainforest trip from the USA is the Amazon Rainforest Ecolodge Trip. This eco-friendly experience allows you to stay in lodges that blend seamlessly with the environment while you explore the rainforest through canoe tours and jungle treks. Each tour provides a unique perspective there, offering unforgettable encounters with the wildlife and landscapes of this majestic region.
For a more immersive lodge experience, check out the Amazon Jungle Lodge Tour from Manaus, which offers a comprehensive itinerary filled with activities like canoe trips, piranha fishing, and visiting the Meeting of the Waters.
Staying at jungle lodges is an immersive experience.
When is the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest?
If you are planning your Amazon rainforest first trip, you’ve probably wondered: when is the best time to go? The place has two distinct seasons: the rainy season (December to May) and the dry season (June to November). Each period offers unique experiences for travelers. For those eager to explore the rainforest and enjoy ecotourism activities like jungle hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, the best time to visit is between June and October.
During this period, the weather is more stable, and it’s ideal for outdoor exploration. On the other hand, the flooded season from March to July is perfect for canoe tours through the Igapós and Igarapés, allowing you to experience the Amazon’s rich biodiversity from a different perspective. Keep in mind that the transition between these seasons is gradual, so you’ll still find opportunities for adventure year-round.
For more details, read our full article here.
Photo: @phbehar
Preparing for your Amazon rainforest trip from the USA: vaccinations and health requirements
When planning your Amazon rainforest trip, it’s important to consider vaccinations for a safe and healthy adventure. Although Brazil does not require mandatory vaccinations for entry, the Ministry of Health recommends that international tourists ensure their vaccinations are up to date before arriving. This includes key vaccines such as yellow fever, polio, measles, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus.
For travelers venturing into the Amazon, the yellow fever vaccine is particularly important and should be administered at least 10 days before departure. You can obtain the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) from Anvisa’s Traveller Guidance Centers by presenting your National Vaccination Card and an official ID with a photo. Additional vaccinations to consider include Hepatitis A, meningitis, and rabies, especially for high-risk travellers.
Staying current with these recommendations ensures your Amazon rainforest trip will be both safe and enjoyable.
What to do during an Amazon rainforest trip?
Countless activities immerse you in the heart of the world’s largest rainforest. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, culture, or adventure, the Amazon offers an unparalleled experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your journey:
- Explore by boat: The Amazon is best experienced by the river. Take a boat tour to witness the famous “Meeting of the Waters,” where the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões meet but don’t mix for several kilometers. Boat tours also offer a great way to spot wildlife, including pink river dolphins, caimans, and tropical birds.
- Stay in a jungle lodge: Opt for eco-friendly lodges deep in the rainforest, where you can embark on jungle treks, go birdwatching, or experience nighttime wildlife excursions. Some lodges also offer cultural experiences, allowing you to interact with local communities.
- Go on a wildlife hike: Trek through the dense jungle with expert guides who can show you the hidden flora and fauna of the Amazon. You may encounter monkeys, sloths, colorful birds, and even elusive jaguars. Jungle hikes also give you the chance to learn about medicinal plants and survival techniques used by local tribes.
- Take a canoe ride through flooded forests: During the rainy season, parts of the Amazon rainforest flood, creating a unique ecosystem. Canoe rides through the igapós (flooded forests) and igarapés (narrow rivers) are a peaceful and scenic way to experience the Amazon, allowing you to get closer to wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Try piranha fishing and night safaris: For an adventurous experience, join a piranha fishing excursion and test your skills in catching one of the Amazon’s most notorious fish. After sunset, go on a night safari by boat to spot nocturnal creatures such as alligators, snakes, and exotic insects.
- Visit Indigenous villages: Engage with local communities, learn about their traditions, and see how they live in harmony with the rainforest. This is a chance to connect deeply with the land and its people.
Take a look at a curated list of the top things to do in the Amazon Rainforest!
Is it safe to visit the Amazon rainforest in Brazil?
Absolutely, visiting the Amazon Rainforest can be a safe and unforgettable adventure, especially when you’re aware of how to navigate its unique environment. One of the main concerns for travelers often revolves around the Amazon’s wildlife—creatures like piranhas, anacondas, or jaguars.
The reality is that while the rainforest is home to many wild animals, attacks are rare, and the key to staying safe is simple: respect the animals and follow your guide’s instructions. With a knowledgeable guide from PlanetaEXO, you’ll always be aware of safe areas to explore, swim, and hike. They are experts in the region’s terrain, ensuring you stay on well-traveled paths and avoid any dangerous wildlife encounters.
It’s also essential to understand that many creatures in the Amazon are not as dangerous as Hollywood makes them seem. Piranhas, for instance, are mostly harmless to humans, and anacondas prefer to avoid contact. Your guide will educate you on how to keep a respectful distance from wildlife and where it’s safe to swim or trek.
Of course, it’s essential to take personal precautions as well:
- Always use mosquito repellent, as mosquitoes in some regions of the Amazon may carry diseases like malaria or yellow fever.
- Stick to bottled or filtered water, and be mindful of hygiene when consuming local food.
- Dress appropriately in long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy footwear to protect against insects and sharp vegetation.
By sticking to these practices and listening to experienced professionals, you can fully enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Amazon without worry.
Photo: @giselealfaia
Your Amazon adventure in Brazil awaits!
Now that you know how to plan your Amazon Rainforest trip from the USA, it’s time to book your journey! To make things easier, PlanetaEXO connects you with the best-qualified professionals whose mission is to help you create unforgettable memories in a sustainable and responsible trip. Click here to check our handpicked Amazon tours and come meet us soon!
